ice times magazine may 2011

EthanChun

Hockey isExpensive

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My Kids aWimp!

“Keep your kids out of hot water, put them on ice”

APRIL 2011

MichaelPiehler

The Official Hockey Magazine of the Texas Amateur Hockey Association

Respect andSocial Media

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Ryan Lee (Grapevine Jr Wolves Mite Black) Niko Ala-Kokko (Dallas Penguins Peewee AA)Aidan Williams (DJHA PeeWee Gold) and Todd Mortensen (DSS-Plano PeeWee Minor)

Submit your pictures to [email protected]

Over 120 boys & girls hockey players from TX & OK with birth years 1994-1997 se-lected at the Texas Affiliate Camp on March 18-20 will participate in the Rocky Moun-tain District Player Development Camp in Salt Lake City on May 4-8. The players will participate in on-ice and off-ice skill de-velopment sessions and compete in games over 4 days for the opportunity to advance to the USA Hockey National Select Festi-val this summer. TAHA wishes each player the best luck at the RMD PDC and safe travels to SLC and back.

TAHA implemented a Mite ADM Policy ef-fective 4/1/11 for the 2011-12 season & be-yond. After last season’s “bridge” year, this Policy provides alignment between TAHA & USA Hockey’s American Development Model that focuses on skill development for the 8U Mites and younger in cross-ice practices, games, & jamborees. The Mite ADM Policy can be found on the TAHA website.

2011 Planned Events• May 4-8 RMD Player Dev. Camp (SLC)• June 18 TAHA Annual Meeting (Dallas)

Congratulations to the teams below for their showing at the 2011 National Champion-ships.• T1 16U: Stars Elite• T1 12U: Stars Elite• T2 18U: Houston Wild• T2 16U: Texas Tornado• T1 14U: Alliance• T2 14U: Houston Hitmen• T2 12U: DJHA Penguins• Girls T2 19U: Alliance• Girls T2 14U: Alliance• Girls T2 12U: Alliance• HS Gold: Southlake Carroll• HS Gold: Plano West• Women +40: Dallas Retro Stars

Team Texas also played well at the Ameri-cas Showcase Tournament in Pittsburgh on April 13-17. The team of HS juniors & se-niors, led by coaches Reggie Hall & Steve Dykstra, represented Texas well both on & off the ice. Many players were contacted during & after the even by scouts for tryouts this summer. Thanks to the coaches, Laura Hopkins, & other volunteers who helped pave the way.

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Adventures of a Hockey MomBy Connie Holubar

Connie Holubar is a freelance writer and hockey mom who’d rather be in a rink than just about anywhere else.

The Dallas Stars ended their season a little earlier than we had hoped.

So as the battle for the coveted Stanley Cup goes on without our team, Alisha Chambers, who just finished her rookie season as one of the Dallas Stars Ice Girls, is buckling down for finals at UTA. I have known Alisha and her family for a long time, because before she was an Ice Girl and college student, she played hockey for many years with my son. Now you may find it hard to believe that this pretty and poised “bucket babe” used to take on guys twice her size, but she did. Of course, girls playing hockey is nothing out of the ordinary, but often by the time players have reached the Bantam level, and even more often by the time they are Midgets, many girls have moved to an all-girls team, but not Alisha. She became a part of our tight knit team, which was coached by her dad Jim Chambers, and those kids stuck together throughout high school. As the only girl on our team, and one of just a few left in the league at that time, Alisha was a bit of an anomaly. Not only did she show up to the rink ready to play, but as the years went on, she did it with

increasing style. I particularly remember one game when she showed up in a mini-dress and cowboy boots, hair done, make-up on, hauling her gear with more than a little sass in her step. On the ice, Alisha held her own. She was just a smaller version of the other players, and she had plenty of skill. Even at less than 100 pounds with full pads, she was a strong defender, a team motivator, and “one of the guys” on the bench. Alisha may not know this, but for many of our hockey crazy boys who spent most of their spare time in ice rinks, she was one of the few girls they really had a chance to get to know. I know for my son, the fact that Alisha grew more beautiful every season was not lost on him (or any of the boys for that matter), but more importantly, she was a darn good hockey player, and the boys loved having her as part of their team. I recently asked Alisha about her season as an Ice Girl and how it kept her close to the game she loves so much. “The biggest difference, of course, was learning to skate without pads and without a stick in my hand. That was the hardest part initially. Not only that, but

instead of being hunched over and staying low like you are when you play hockey, I had to learn to skate upright, and to smile and wave, and that was very different from hockey,” she said with a laugh.What was similar to playing the game, she said, was the need to be aware at all times of the position of her teammates on the ice. During each commercial break, six Ice Girls work both sides of the sheet to sweep and scoop excess ice away. It’s an important part of ice maintenance, and the girls are trained to complete the job swiftly and completely. If one team member has a tool malfunction or skate problem, the others need to pick up the slack to make sure they complete their job during the break, Alisha says.Perks of the job included free tanning and gym memberships, free skates and warm-ups, salon services, hair products, photo shoots, and the chance to greet fans and talk hockey.Alisha remembers watching the Ice Girls when she was young, and it was always something she thought about doing. Along with 100 other girls last summer, she went through rigorous dance and skate training before being selected for

the squad.“My rookie season as an Ice Girl was an awesome experience. I met lots of great people and bonded with girls that are now some of my best friends,” Alisha said.That doesn’t mean she has forgotten her hockey brothers or the hockey moms and dads who love her so much, even if the guys look at her just a little differently now.I know for this hockey mom, one of my favorite new possessions is the autographed photo of my favorite Dallas Stars Ice Girl, Alisha Chambers. ■

Alisha with a young fan (Courtesy Crystal Clear Media) Alisha scooping excess ice.

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Keith Andresen, Senior Director,

Hockey Programs

Dr. Pepper StarCentersDallas Stars Hockey Club

Respect and Social MediaBy Keith Andresen

Over the past month, coverage of our sport at the amateur level was

a major news story. Unfortunately it was due to the altercation that took place at the end of the Silver State High School Championship game between Arlington Martin and Keller. While I understand why it was considered “news”, it would never have become the story it did had video of the incident not been posted on YouTube. The altercation took place on Sunday evening and although it went beyond most “hockey fights”, I did not receive any calls or inquires about the incident on Monday. Late Monday or early Tuesday someone posted video of the incident on YouTube and by Tuesday afternoon I had been interviewed by 4 local TV stations, 2 radio stations, 2 newspapers and ESPN looking for comments on the incident. The awesome power and reach of social media such as YouTube, Facebook and Twitter must be understood, especially by youth hockey players who use these sites for much of there communication and socializing with friends. While the posting of video is understandable, what I found to be

troubling were the comments that were posted. While I can’t be sure who posted the comments it was pretty obvious that some of them were posted by players who played on the teams involved and others were posted by people who may have attended the game or were friends of the players. Some of the comments were respectful commentary on the game but most were way out of line and showed a complete lack of respect for the game and the participants. To say someone “deserved to be injured” or “they got what they had coming to them” is wrong. I will mention that the two players who were at the center of the incident handled the aftermath with respect. I don’t believe either of these players posted these comments. However the players and/or friends who did should be ashamed. Trash talking has always been part of sports. It’s not something that I necessarily support but you can’t deny that it happens from time to time. Some good natured “ribbing” is fine but when it becomes nasty or disrespectful that’s where I draw the line. Foul language and personal or racial comments have

no place in sports. The same goes for social media and in some ways it’s worse. Sitting alone at a computer is a lot different than talking to someone face to face. What you post on a Facebook page about someone may not be something you would say to their face. Unfortunately once something is posted it’s there for the whole world to read. Kids need to understand that social media is a valuable tool for networking and keeping in touch with friend and family. However it can also be a lightning rod for controversy. Be respectful when using social media. When posting comments about our game, be responsible. Don’t post anything you don’t want the world to see. Remember the administrators of the various leagues and programs see your posts too. I can promise that players who show a lack of respect when caught posting comments about incidents, opponents, officials or coaches will face supplementary discipline. Respect is a key ingredient for participation in any sport. If you treat people like you want to be treated you’ll get more out of the game and, more importantly, you’ll get more out of life. ■

Hunter Donaldson #19 from the Nytex Fire. Austin Perdue (Grapevine Wolves Squirt Major) at NTXHL Squirt A Championship game. Controls the puck under pressure.


On the CoverMay 2011Now In Our Sixth Season!

On The Cover:Texas Aces players Ethan Chun & Michael Piehler

Want to be our next cover shot? Send in your high resolution picture to [email protected]

Cover Shot Contest! PARENTS: Send in your picture and if it makes our Cover Shot of the Month you will win a gift certificate to

YOU SHOOT. YOU SCORE… THE KEG!

Monthly ColumnsAdventures of a Hockey Mom . . . 4For The Good of The Game . . . . 5Life Lessons on Ice . . . . . . . . . . 8Metroplex Hockey Officials Assn 10Hockey From the Neck Up . . . . 15Strong Hockey . . . . . . . . . . . . 19Behind the Bench . . . . . . . . . . 20

Ice Times Magazine is published monthly by Tink Ink Publications, LLC & distributed free of charge at ice rinks and pro-shops. Copy and Photographs are welcome and must be submitted by the 20th of the month prior to publication. ITM reserves the right to edit, reject or comment editorially on all material contributed. Reproduction in whole or part without express written consent of the Publisher is prohibited.

Scott Tinkham, [email protected] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Tink Ink PublicationsGraphic Artist. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sara SparrowgroveSpecial Thanks to Connie Holubar and Deborah Reynolds for lending us a hand in the Editing Department

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Kim Tinkham (1957 - 2010)

Ice Times Magazine is dedicated to the memory of Kim Tinkham.

Kim lost her brave battle with breast cancer Tuesday, December 7, 2010. Kim was a hockey mom, wife, youth hockey enthusiast, and editor and publisher of Ice Times. She will be greatly missed.

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Grapevine Wolves Squirt in Chicago Cup during MLK weekend.

Emily “the hockey Diva” Kline San Antonio Jr Rampage - Squirt B

Submit your pictures to [email protected] goalie Chris Neukranz readies to make another save,

a shot from Ice Gators Jacob Istre.

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Being Part of Something Biggerby Kim Tinkham

What makes athletes stay in a sport long after they have

made the big time and long after they have proven themselves? I had asked myself that very question when I watched Wayne Gretzky skate around the ice at his last NHL game as a player. There he was “the Great One” skating around the ice waving to the crowd with this sad smile on his face. I thought to myself, “he’s a legend, he’s the player every young hockey player dreams about being, he’s worth millions of dollars, why is he so sad?” I received my answer one night while I was sitting in the stands watching my son practice with his team. I had the good fortune of sitting beside a very successful NHL coach (don’t you envy me?). We started talking about the most important thing about sports and the Life Lessons that players get out of it. I have to tell you that some of the best things I have learned in my life have come from coaches (famous and not-so-famous, someone else’s and my own). They have a different way of looking at things. They see the big picture a lot of the time. Maybe it’s because they have to focus on what is going on. I don’t know why some of them are so wise, they just are. In any case, this coach started telling me about the things he remembered while playing and coaching hockey. He didn’t remember the scores of the games that they had won or lost, what he remembered was the feeling he had when they won or when they lost. It’s the feelings you have when you see the rest of your team celebrating after a big win. And it’s the feelings you have when you see everyone on

the team nearly in tears after an upset that ends the season. That was it! That’s why players love to play. Sure, it may look like they play for the money and the fame and all the other great things that come with being a great athlete. But, really when it all boils down to it, they play the game for the same reasons they played it when they were 10 years old. They play because they love the feeling of being part of something bigger. It’s about putting aside the individual’s needs and wants and doing what is best for the life of the team. They love the team mentality. The ‘all for one and one for all’ feeling that you get when you are on a team. That’s why old athletes never die they just become coaches, managers, scouts, and a hundred other things that will allow them to still be part of a team. That’s why corporate America seeks out people who have been team players before. They know that with a team mentality they often, more than not, make great employees. My husband still plays hockey. Our son calls it “old man’s hockey”, my husband prefers to call it “hall of fame hockey”. Whatever name you give to it, it’s great fun to watch! Here are a bunch of guys that played hockey when they were younger. Some played it in high school and some in college and some even made it to the NHL. Some are no-so-good skaters; others skate with reckless abandon. What all these players have in common is their love of the game. You have to love the game to play it at this age when you are not getting paid to play. You are paying to play. You play late at night when ice time is less expensive and very few family members can make it to cheer you on. They play this game because they love the high fives from their teammates when they score. They play this game because they love the feeling of sacrificing themselves as a human shield to stop a puck headed straight for the

open corner of the net. They play the entire game laughing, trying not to take themselves too seriously and breathing hard. At the end of a game they all skate off smiling. They look like 10 year old kids in 40+ year old bodies. This same scene goes on all around America in virtually every rink that hockey is played on. Late at night after the kids are asleep. A “hall of fame” team steps out onto the ice and becomes young again. It’s like watching men go through some time portal, only to come out on the other side as young kids. For that brief moment in time they don’t remember that they aren’t as fast as they used to be. They don’t remember that their shot is not as hard or as accurate. They don’t even remember that they have to get up in the morning and go back to work. All they know when they step out on the ice is that they are part of a team. Now, for the Life Lesson. Being part of a team is about sharing your life with other people. Not being part of a team is like having a really great secret and not being able to tell anyone. You can’t even tell anyone that you have a great secret that you can’t tell them. Being part of a team, whether it is a family, a hockey team, or a construction team means that everyone makes a difference. I have found also that when you combine all the talents of the people on a team you come out with much more than what each individual team member brings into it. What does that mean? It means synergy. Synergy means that 1+1 = 3 or more. It means that when you put people together they are stronger, smarter, more inventive, more ambitious, and more successful than they would normally be as individuals. Team adds a special kind of magic to whatever you are doing. When I think of a team I think of when the U.S.A. Men’s Olympic Hockey Team won the gold in 1980. They weren’t even supposed

to get that far in the Olympics. Something happened to them that made them create a miracle on ice. It was because they were a team. They were all thinking about the same thing, they were all trying to accomplish the same goal. And they were able to do it through this ‘all for one and one for all’ mentality. No one person was more important that anyone else. They were going to do it together or they weren’t going to be able to do it at all. Now, a question for you. If you have ever seen the video of that team winning the gold medal in the Olympics can you tell me who they played and what the final score was? I have to be honest with you, I can’t tell you. I can tell you though how they reacted to it. They were jumping up and down on the ice, hugging each other, smiling, crying, and most of all creating a memory that will stay with them long after they have hung up their skates. They will be able to tell you who was on the ice with them and the feeling they felt when they heard the crowds chanting, “U….S....A”. Those gold medal winners can tell you how it felt to be part of a team. And I can pretty much guarantee you that they wouldn’t trade that feeling for anything in the world. Remember that being part of a team is important. There are times in your life when you will want to be alone. You will want to use those times to think about what you want to be, where you want to go and how you want to accomplish those things in your life. When you are finished being by yourself then you are going to want to have a team there with you to share those experiences. ■

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Cole Seevers (Farmers Branch Squirts) making a glove save.Corbin Yanez of the NyTex Fire Squirts is the shooter.

Brandon Keck Seven Lakes Varsity Hockey team

Jr Brahmas Mite Major division celebrating their victory.

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Metroplex Hockey Officials AssociationBy Ralph Hunter

Ralph is the father of four boys, all of whom have played and three of whom have also officiated hockey in North Texas during the past 11 years. An airline pilot by trade and a past president of the Allied Pilots Association, Ralph has also served in various capacities with the Metroplex Hockey Officials Association over the past several years. He is currently the President of MHOA.

Recently, for what feels like the thousandth time, a young official

recounted to me repeated gender slurs being directed at female on-ice officials. These most recent incidents occurred during a relatively high-profile tournament. In one instance, a teenaged male goaltender called an experienced female official by an extremely vulgar name that, given the nature of this publication, will not be restated herein. In another instance, a parent in the stands yelled at another experienced female official that rather than officiating, she should go to Victoria’s Secret. The official in question had worked a tournament earlier in the year, and a parent in the stands there suggested that she “go back to the kitchen,” and then suggested that the official was a lesbian. My young official was in the stands and finally intervened. The parent piped down.

I have personally experienced this type of conduct for years. As but two examples, a few years ago, a high school coach known for his inappropriate outbursts told me, “Maybe you shouldn’t be around a man’s game.” This statement was made in front of an entire bench of teenaged boys. More recently, in working my first assignment back on the ice after breaking my leg, I was escorting a Bantam house player off the ice. He asked if I’d seen what happened in the corner. I responded that I had and it was nothing. He immediately turned to me and said, “You’re a woman ref, what would you know.” In the next game, a Midget house game, I was called a “bitch” by players on the bench. First games back, just trying to rehab my leg on a Sunday afternoon, and I was immediately 2 for 2 on gender slurs. Let me state what I would have thought to be two obvious propositions. First, gender has nothing to do with how the game is being called. Second, comments based on gender have no place in our game. USA Hockey has accepted these premises in dealing with racial and ethnic slurs, and I dare say there would have been uniform and significant outrage if the remarks described herein were of that genre. It is beyond my comprehension that the attitudes of the players, coaches and parents are different simply because the targets of their slurs are women. It is a bedrock principle of USA Hockey

that parents and coaches should conduct themselves with the understanding that they are role models for players, who unquestionably follow their lead. Stated simply, engaging in prejudicial conduct of the type described herein sets a horrid, inexcusable and intolerable example for youth hockey players and, in the case of gender slurs, fosters disrespect for women. For most of these kids (who aren’t going to the NHL), participation in hockey is simply an opportunity to play team sports. Team sports teach important life lessons, including discipline, perseverance, and respect for other participants. Parents and coaches who set poor examples by hurling gender slurs at female officials send the WRONG message to impressionable youth players. Such conduct cannot – MUST NOT – be tolerated any longer. I mean, can we really wonder how a teenaged goaltender feels comfortable calling a seasoned female official – an adult, by the way – a “^&*^%^$#,” when parents and coaches regularly attack officials based solely on their gender? Tolerance is encouragement, folks. It’s time to step up on this issue.I am fortunate to be involved with three tremendous organizations here in the Dallas area. The first is our affiliate, Texas Amateur Hockey Association (TAHA). At the beginning of this season, TAHA condemned gender slurs and directed that they be treated under Rule 601. Because of that, the Bantam player

referenced herein was assessed a game misconduct. Hopefully, that one game suspension gave him time to reconsider his future conduct. The second organization is the Metroplex Hockey Officials Association (MHOA), which has worked tirelessly to put an end to gender-based slurs, and was an integral part of the conversations with TAHA about this issue. MHOA’s membership has been extremely supportive of our female officials, and has embraced the enhanced Rule 601 enforcement. And third, recognizing the seriousness of this problem, the Dallas Stars issued a memo several seasons ago directing that any gender slur uttered in a Stars Hockey League game (youth or adult) be treated under Rule 601. Because of these three organizations, we saw a decline in gender slurs this past season. It is a trend we hope to see continue.While TAHA, MHOA and the Stars can lead the way on this issue, they can’t solve the problem alone. The adults in the game – parents, spectators and coaches – have to start acting like adults, including by curbing their own wrongful conduct. Gender slurs are as inappropriate and harmful as racial and ethnic slurs, and should be just as resoundingly condemned by the entire hockey community. Coaches and parents, the players are watching you. LEAD THEM. ■

As a long time advocate for MHOA’s officials and a tireless worker willing to give her all for nothing in return, It is entirely appropriate to share this months column space with Sue Halpern. Without her considerable and selfless dedication, MHOA

would not be the strong organization it is. Although Sue brings her considerable intellect and energy on behalf of all MHOA officials, she is particularly passionate about advocating for and developing our considerable female officiating talent. It gives me great pleasure to recognize her considerable achievements in that arena. Here’s her guest editorial… Ralph

Susan Halpern has been a USA Hockey official and MHOA member for almost 20 years. Sue works within MHOA to recruit and develop female officials. Sue has also served as MHOA’s legal counsel for almost 15 years, and is the founding partner of the Halpern Law Firm PLLC, where she specializes in commercial litigation.

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EARLIEST TRYOUT DATES for the2011-12 Season for all TAHA Associations

Sat 5/28 - All Girls Teams (Tier I, Tier II, House/Rec)Sat 6/4 - 12U Tier I - 14U Tier ISat 6/11 - 10U House/Rec - 12U Tier II & House/Rec - 14U Tier II & House/RecFri 6/17 - 18U Tier ISun 6/19 - 16U Tier ISat 6/25 - 16U Tier II & House/Rec - 18U Tier II & House/Rec

USA Hockey only recognizes youth teams classified as Tier I, Tier II, and House/Rec, which in no way refer to any AAA, Prep, AA, A, or B team status.

TAHA has announced that the following associations have been granted Tier I status for this coming season 2011-2012. These will be the only associations allowed to register teams as Tier I.

Alliance Youth HockeyDallas Stars Elite

For exact dates and times of try outs go to www.AllianceBulldogs.org

Alliance Hockey Association Announces it’sTeams & Coaches for 2011-2012...The Alliance Youth Hockey Association is pleased to announce ourteams and head coaches for the 2011-2012 hockey season.

Alliance will field a total of 17 teams next season, adding four new boys teams and

dropping Mites for a total of 13 boys teams, and adding one girls team which will bring our total to four girls teams. Ut i l iz ing the exper ienced and accomplished staff currently in place at Alliance, 16 of the 17 teams will be head coached by a well-known and established Alliance coach with significant achievements as part of their resume in Dallas youth hockey. One former Alliance parent that spent quite a few years with the program, when seeing the list of coaches for next season, commented...“That is by far, from top to bottom, the most

impressive and talented line-up of coaches ever put together at Alliance. There is not one coach or team that I wouldn’t want my kid to play for and with. Looks like a banner year for the Bulldogs next season.” Alliance is introducing one new head coach in Alex Paine, who will lead our 16U Tier II Midget Minor AA team. Alex has spent the last two seasons at Alliance as an assistant coach under the tutelage of Steve Lamere, and as an assistant with the Plano West Varsity. Alex was a top player during his youth hockey career with the Dallas Storm, and went on to Juniors in the North American Hockey League (NAHL) with the Springfield Jr. Blues.

Teams and Coaches for the2010-2011 Season: Tier I Teams & Head Coaches:18U Tier I (‘93/94) - Chris Kostopoulos16U Tier I (‘95/96) - David Fry14U Tier I (‘97/98) - Steve LaMere12U Tier I (‘99/00) - Stan Tugolukov

Tier II Teams & Head Coaches:18U Tier II (‘93/94) - Stan Tugolukov16U Tier II (‘95/96) - Alex Paine15U Tier II (‘96 Pure) - Ty Hennes14U Tier II (‘97/98) - Chris Kostopoulos13U Tier II (‘98 Pure) - Jouni Lehtola12U Tier II (‘99/00) - David Fry11U Tier II (‘00 Pure) - Ty Hennes10U Squirt (‘01/02) - Steve LaMere10U Squirt (‘01/02) - Wes Rose

Girls Program Head Coaches:19U - Stan Tugolukov16U - Kasie Strong14U - Karen Rickard12U - Kasie Strong

To complete our offering at the Tier I level, Alliance has added a 12U Tier I PeeWee AAA team, to complement our three other Tier I teams at the 18U, 16U, and 14U age levels. Well known and experienced head coach Stan Tugolukov will lead this new Tier I Bulldog team. On the Girls side of the program, Alliance will bring in a new 16U team to complete a full complement of girls teams at each age level, in preparation for hosting the Tier II USA Hockey National Championships in 2012. Coming back to Alliance to lead that 16U team, as well as the 12U team will be Kasie Strong.

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Hunter Dakin (Grapevine Wolves Squirt Minor)

Ian Tharp (Texas Jr Stars Bantam B) takes a check by Ethan Smith (Grapevine

Wolves Bantam B) Dallas Stars U16

NYTEX SR league Gold Division, Fort Worth Hawks.

Plano West Junior Varsity Gold Hockey Team Sweeps Its Way to Championship! (Photo by Tammy Stewart)

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888-878-8465 Keep your kids out of hot water – put them on ice!13

Daniel Sanchez (Grapevine Jr Wolves Mite Red)Dawson Armstrong (DJHA PeeWee Gold)

Jacob Mosich (Texas Jr Stars Bantam B) gets ready for a shot by Hunter Miller (Grapevine Wolves Bantam B)

Reid Robertson (DSS-Plano PeeWee Minor)

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Josh Mehr, Alliance Bantam AA

JW Kottenstette (Texas Aces)

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Hockey from the Neck UpBy Paul O’Donnell

Paul O'Donnell currently writes for the Hockey Stop Magazine. He has been coaching in the Chicagoland Area for the past 25 years. Paul grew up in The Greater Boston Area and played college hockey for Salem State College in Massachusetts.

Have you ever noticed how great hockey players always seem to

be around the puck? Whether they’re maneuvering in on an opposing puckcarrier during a forecheck to take away their time and space and force an errant pass; or, for the purposes of this column, consistently positioning themselves to be on the receiving end of a perfectly executed pass play. It seems as if these highly motivated athletes always seem to make the best out of any game situation which confronts them. Hockey people in the know have different names for this seemingly innate ability to always be in the right place, at the right time. Some describe it “on-ice awareness”, while others will tend to dub it, just plain, “hockey sense.” Whatever label, these so-called experts of hockey put on this elusive hockey ability, it’s not part of a player’s genetic makeup or, as many would have you believe, a gift from a higher power. Attaining the ability to read and react appropriately to the various on-ice situations that every player is confronted with from shift to shift is simply another learned behavior that every player needs to gain proficiency with to move up along youth hockey’s food chain. Throughout the years, I have identified three specific attributes concerning pass connections which I believe you will find quite interesting. AnticipationEvery great hockey player has this capability. Like some kind of hockey Chessmasters, these accomplished players seem to have the ability to scan the entire ice surface, anticipate which way the flow of the play is moving and identify where the passing weaknesses in the opposition’s defensive strategy are going to be before anyone else. Players must understand that it doesn’t matter where the puck is now, but rather, where it will be in the immediate future. By immediate future, I’m talking two to five seconds down the road. Due to the speed of the game, trying to anticipate the course of individual battles any further would be difficult. Any player who can consistently anticipate the puck’s course this far in the future has a huge advantage over the competition. But this ability is not something that can

be acquired overnight. During any particular battle, there are only a certain amount of probable outcomes which can occur. Most of the time, these probabilities can be narrowed down to two or three plausible scenarios. Take for instance, a puck battle raging along the boards, anywhere on the ice. Realistically, how many outcomes can reasonably occur during these situations? Chances are the puck will be forced out, along the boards, in one of two directions. Occasionally, a third or fourth player may be able to pick it out of a scrum, but the probability of this happening is much lower. During these 50-50 situations, realistically, there are only three possible outcomes. The individual player positioned away from the battle needs to be factoring this information into his or her thought process, coming up with at least three possible puck destinations. At the same time, the player needs to be anticipating the appropriate tactics for either an offensive or a defensive outcome. While the battle is raging, the player on the outside should also be positioning himself into the best possible location on the ice to have the ability to press the offensive attack, while hedging his bets by selecting a safe location on the ice surface to assist with defense if the puck doesn’t go his team’s way. Moreover, this all needs to happen before the outcome of the battle is ever determined. As the puck is dislodged, the puck may or may not go the way the player had hoped; but because the player has formulated these options before the battle’s outcome has been determined, he’s in a much better position to react correctly in the future.RecognitionRecognition is more than just an individual player ’s capacity to effectively read a play while adjusting their direction to the proper position on the ice. A player’s ability to anticipate any passing situation and move into the appropriate position is only part of the overall passing equation. Between anticipation and execution of any successful passing attempt, there is another important component: recognition. There’s a kind of synergy that occurs

during any passing attempt which occurs between the passer and pass receiver during a successful pass connection. Sometimes, this synergy presents itself as verbal communication between two players. More often than not, it occurs nonverbally through the potential pass receivers’s body language or movement before the pass is made. But very few passes ever connect, without the two individual players establishing eye contact before the pass is made. Of all the small bits and pieces which make up a single pass reception, undoubtedly, the ability of the pass receiver to establish eye contact with the puck carrier is by far the most important factor in successful passing situations. The duty for establishing eye contact, as well as proper positioning between the two teammates during the play, is always the primary responsibility of the potential pass receiver. Many players fail to realize this important fact and that’s why many of their passing attempts fail: Because it’s never the responsibility of the puckcarrier to get you open for any pass. It’s your responsibility to move into a position on the ice surface which will make the passing attempt as easy as possible for the passer.ExecutionAs soon as the potential pass receiver is in position, and the all important eye contact is being made between the two players, the final step of executing the pass can commence. However, consistent pass execution may require a bit of guile and stealth to be consistently effective. Quite often, pass receivers will reach their prearranged position on the ice and shake their heads when the play fails while blaming the other half of the passing tandem for the error; when in reality, they are at fault. Sometimes it’s the simple things, like not having their sticks on the ice when the pass is made. Other times, it may be moving into the passing lane too early, so that when the pass is finally made, the pass recipient has skated beyond the point of no return to catch the pass. This is a common occurrence with inexperienced hockey players. When they don’t have the puck, many of them,

tend to become on-ice spectators, blindly gliding in and out of passing situations not paying any attention to what’s going on around them. This would fine, as long as the defending player is just as clueless as our fictitious pass receiver. However, if the opposition has even an ounce of hockey sense, the pass play will probably be in doubt. Pass receivers must also understand that how they reach their intended passing location is just as important as when they reach the proper location. What I mean by this is that the pass receiver must be able to shake off his defender and reach the “sweet spot” in the passing lane, with a short burst of speed as soon as eye contact has been established. The intended receiver must further realize that hitting this prime passing location doesn’t mean his body reaching the sweet spot at his right time, but rather, the blade of his stick reaching the best possible pass receiving location. A good example of this would be on a regroup, while a team’s defensive unit is looking to make a pass with one of his returning forwards. While some of the forwards will be curling, in hopes of receiving a pass, a smart player could position himself along the wall, waiting for the puck carrier to establish eye contact and a passing lane to appear. As his teammates draw the attention away from him, he can quickly break laterally towards an area of open ice towards the middle of the rink. To read this article in its entirety visit www.neckuphockey.com. ■

Passing Anticipation, Recognition and Execution

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Texas Has 10 Players Selected By USHL Scouts ToAttend The 2011 Futures Combine And 2 Players Drafted

The USHL is the pinnacle of USA Hockey’s uniquely American development model - a focus on excellence in the classroom, in the rink, and in the community. The USHL’s numbers speak for themselves. Currently 156 active USHL alumni are under NHL contract. 22 USHL players were chosen in last June’s 2010 NHL Entry Draft, and 49 players appear on the NHL Central Scouting’s Mid-Term Rankings as predicted draft choices in the upcoming 2011 NHL Entry Draft. And that’s not all. As of today, more than 250 USHL active roster players have committed to Division 1 NCAA hockey - most of them having received multiple offers from the best college hockey teams, and some of the finest academic institutions, in the world. USHL Player Development Scouts selected approximately 225 players in the 1995 birth year primarily from the United States and Canada to attend the 2011 USHL Futures Combine in Chicago on April 15th through April 17th. Players selected were recognized by the scouts as one of the top USHL Prospects for the 2011 Futures Draft which was held several days later on April 19th after the conclusion of the combine. The USHL Combine provided the players selected to showcase their abilities in front of all USHL Coaches, General Managers, and top Division One College Coaches before the draft.

Tyler Gernhofer - Forward - Dallas Stars Elite Hockey ClubConnor Hutchins - Forward - Dallas Stars Elite Hockey ClubMichael O’Reilly - Defense - Dallas Stars Elite Hockey ClubBlake Gober - Forward - Dallas Stars Elite Hockey ClubAndrew Durham - Forward - Dallas Stars Elite Hockey ClubElliot Pickles - Defense - Dallas Stars Elite Hockey ClubMatt Staples - Defense - Dallas Stars Elite Hockey ClubJason Cotton - Forward - Ice JetsThomas Aldworth - Forward - Alliance BulldogsCody Wickline - Forward - Texas Tornado

Congratulations to the following 10 players from Texas selected to attend the USHL Combine.

On April 19th, Tyler Gernhofer was drafted by Green Bay and Connor Hutchins was drafted by Tri-City USHL Teams. A total of 90 players were drafted after the USHL Combine which included 68 forwards, 28 defensemen, and four goaltenders. The players drafted represented 21 different states coast to coast, 7 players from Canada, and one player from Slovakia. Tyler Gernhofer and Conner Hutchins were also recently selected by the USA Hockey’s National Team Development Program as finalist to attend the selection camp for the U.S. National Under 17 Team.

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Michael Isom (DSYHL Frisco Mite Flyers)

Issac Wieland (McKinney Squirt B) intercepts a pass.

Riley Smith (Grapevine Wolves Bantam B)

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Grapevine Wolves Girls 12U celebrate the win!! Ryan Tolsch (DJHA PeeWee Gold)

Cole Teleki (Dallas Stars Selects Mites) makes a move. Evan Sherman-Miles (DSYHL Frisco Mite Flyers)

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Kasie Strong is a former collegiate hockey player who has coached and played professionally in Europe. A native of Groton, Massachusetts, Kasie coaches for the Alliance Girls Hockey Program and promotes youth hockey in the Dallas/ Ft. Worth Area.

Where Should I Play Next?By Kasie Strong

Strong Hockey is sponsored by Orthopedic Trauma Surgeons, 3600 Gaston Ave., Suite 755, Dallas, Texas 75246214 - 826-1730 • Dr. Paul Freudigman, MD, Orthopedic Surgeon

Weighing The “Extras” & Making An Educated Decision

When it comes to hockey programs, there are plenty of options to choose from. Look at the list of associations

in ITM Directory; the choices are overwhelming. With tryouts about a month away, I can’t help but notice people are shopping. Peek your head into any spring camp, invite skate, or open house and look at the rainbow of helmets. The options are out there, the information is presented, but are people really making educated decisions? Making an educated decision usually starts with analyzing: amount of ice time, league/ level of play, location, coaching staff and cost. I’m not about to get into a battle with anyone over which association gives you the most bang for your buck, or what the right amount of ice time is for a 2000, but I will challenge anyone who’s shopping to look beyond the numbers and basic information and observe what I refer to as “extras”.

Six“Extras”WorthTakingNoteOf-

Integrity - It’s written on the walls and posted on the website, but is it demonstrated in everything they say and do? What is the disciplinary record of the association and/or coach?

Practice Preparation & Quality of Practice - The coach is on time, there are pucks and two assistants, but is the coach well prepared, excited to be there and ready to teach? Also,

what’s the overall flow of practice? Are the players constantly moving, are all the players being utilized and does there appear to be a skill progression to the practice(s)?

Facility Amenities - Not every rink is right around the corner, but once you’re there, is there a comfortable place to sit, work, read, workout or entertain your other children?

Track Record - How long has the association been around and what does it’s future look like? Can this be my son and/or daughter’s home for the next few years or will this be a one and done year?

Off-Ice Training - Is the off-ice program credible, with age appropriate exercises and are results measured?

Total Experience - Does your coach care enough to commit to making your player a better person? Will they just teach hockey or use hockey to teach?

The next time you’re shopping, I encourage you to really take a moment and observe the “extras”, or lack thereof and consider what your future season would be like with or without those “extras”. ■

Preston Lamm (Dallas Penguins, Atkinson - PeeWee B) Tylinne Felder (Grapevine Wolves Girls 12U)

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BEHIND THE BENCHBy Mark Dyslin

Mark Dyslin has been coaching youth sports for over 15 years and coaching youth hockey since 1999. He is currently one of the coaches for St. Mark’s Junior Varsity Hockey Team.

Raise your hand if a parent has ever asked you to make their kid more aggressive (but not in a public place, you’ll look

screwy). I’d bet most of you have. How did you respond to mumsy and poopsy? “I know right? Your kid is really a wimp. I’m glad you finally see it. Go get him some Chuck Norris videos and start stuffing more red meat down his throat.” If you think about it, this perceived absence of competitiveness is more likely the result of something else. I argue a child who is in want of pugnacity really is short on confidence. People generally don’t like messing up regularly (contrary to what my wife says of me), especially children. You’ve seen this scenario before: rather than try to skate hard to the puck and not being sure she can execute flawlessly, she only skates near the play. No mistakes, no embarrassment, no worries. She survives another shift. I coached a boy who would puck-handle all over the ice. Never really going anywhere in particular. Dipsy doodling hither and yon. More often than not the puck got taken from him somewhere between dipsy and doodle. His teammates started making underhanded comments and no one wanted him on their line.

It got to the point where if the puck found its way onto his stick, he would immediately get rid of it. Didn’t matter where it went, as long as it was not in his possession. That led to even more criticism. His enthusiasm began to wane. I asked him, confidentially, why he did what he did. He confessed he really didn’t know what to do with the puck once he got it. Bingo! Now we knew what to work on. Finding skill deficiencies and working to correct them will develop self-assurance. Think about it. When you’re confident, you have no fears. Be it playing a hockey game, making a souffle, or completing a project at work, confidence makes you feel invincible. When your boss hands you a new project and you have no idea how to accomplish it, what’s your first reaction (besides cussing)? “I’ve never done this before. What if I screw up?” Fear is a powerful behavioral driver. These kids face a lot pressure to perform. They hear it from teammates, coaches, and parents. Everyone wants to feel they are contributing. They don’t want to make mistakes and hear about it when they get back to the bench or car. Building skills develops confidence. Confidence erases fear. Now you have a better-skilled and “aggressive” hockey player.

My Kid’s a Wimp: Fix It

Hockey Summer StrengtH andconditioning Program

June 20 to August 128 weeks, 6 weeks or 4 weeks

You choose the weeks you want to attend and the location!

Take your hockey game to the next level this summer. Elite Hockey Coaches and Crull Fitness bring you the most advanced hockey strength and conditioning program ever offered in Dallas.

For more information email program director Luke Beltrand at [email protected]

Everyone wins! By the way, the only time I’ve heard of “making” someone aggressive without developing skills involved cattle prods, sleep deprivation, and 72 straight hours of Brady Bunch reruns. As I recall the end result bordered more on deranged than aggressive. ■

IceTimesMagazineIce Sports Directory


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DFW MetroplexAddison Sq Gdn 972-960-7465Starbucks 972-238-1563 .3miOlive Garden 972.239-9096 .1miER CareNow 972-387-8900 2.1mi

The Allen Event Center972-678-4646www.alleneventcenter.com

American Airlines CenterHome of the Dallas Starsfor tickets 214.Go-Stars

Dr Pepper StarCenterEuless 817-267-4233Starbucks 817-684-7943 1.1miOlive Garden 817-251-0222 8.0miER CareNow 817-428-7300 5.0mi

Dr Pepper StarCenterFarmers Branch 214-432-3131Starbucks 972-406-8289 3.4miI Fratelli 972-501-9700 3.5miER CareNow 972-387-8900 5.9 mi

Dr Pepper StarCenter Frisco 214-387-5600Starbucks 972-668-9520 .9miOlive Garden 469-633-0406 .8miER 1st Choice 214.618.6800 1.8mi

Dr Pepper StarCenter McKinney at Craigs RanchMcKinney 469-675-8325Starbucks 214-383-4095 1miCareNow 972-599-0077 8mi

Dr Pepper StarCenter Plano 972-758-7528Starbucks 469-229-0100 .4miOlive Garden 972-578-8576 3.5miER 1st Chioce 214-291-0101 2.1mi

Dr Pepper StarCenter PSA 972-208-5437Starbucks 972-758-9565 .5 miOlive Garden 972.633.0406 3.2miER 1st Chioce 214-291-0101 2.1mi

Dr Pepper StarCenter Valley Ranch 972-831-2453Starbucks 972-304-1985 1miSiena Pasta 972-462-0499 1miCoppell EmCare 972-745-8097 3.6mi

ICE at Stonebriar 972-731-9600Starbucks 972-668-1750 0.1miOlive Garden 469-633-0406 .8miER 1st Choice 214.618.6800 2.4mi

Rinks with closest Starbucks, Italian Food and ER Centers AnD AssOCiATiOns (things change, please call before making the trip)

ICE at The Parks 817-419-0095www.IceAtTheParks.netStarbucks in mall outside of rinkOlive Garden 817-283-3121 11miER CareNow 817-465-4928 1.7mi

Ice Training CenterITC Richardson 972-680-7825Starbucks 972-238-1563 .3miOlive Garden 972-234-3292 2.0miER CareNow 972.387.8900 4.7mi

Polar Ice House Grapevine 972-874-1930Starbucks 972-874-1394 .6miOlive Garden 817-251-0222 4.1miCoppell EmCare 972-745-8097 2.6mi

HoustonAerodrome Ice Skating ComplexHouston 281-84-SKATEStarbucks 832-237-7586 .25 miOlive Garden 281- 890-0784Methodist Willowbrook Hosp.281-477-1000 across from rink

Sugar Land Ice & Sports Center281-265-7465Starbucks 281-265-8911Papa LaRosa Flying Pizza in rink281-313-3500Methodist Sugar Land Hospital 281-274-7000

Space City Ice StationFriendswood 281-486-7979www.spacecityice.netOlive Garden 281-488-1022Starbucks 281-488-9800ER Clear Lake l 281-332-2511

AustinChaparral Ice Centers - Austin512.252.8500

Oklahoma CityBlazers Ice Centre -405-631-3307

Arctic Edge Ice Arena - 405-748-5454

StarStuff Locations in all Dr Pepper StarCenters Rinks(except Valley Ranch)

Players BenchRichardson 972.808.9991Coppell 972.393.2777

PRO shOPs*

Forwards/DefenseDavid Ambler 817.905.4561David Fry 817.832.2847Phil Chaney 214.537,6997Cliff Cook 469.831.5441Sergey Deshevyy 214.498.6967Danny Force 817.903,5442Ryan McLean 469 525 1985 Stew Carson 817.253.7022 Michael Beck 972.571.7760Christophe Crossley 817.201.6211Chris Shakesby 214.597.1907Justin Walters 405.413.8623Corey Clarks 360.961.7162

Goaltending

Francois Lemay 469.766.1981Billy Pye 817.845.0133Andrew Norton 817.896.5084Cam MacDonald 817.800.2130

Power SkatingRob Warner 214.478.6605Ramil Sarkulov 817.805.0002David Horn 972.740.5513

PRivATe LessOns*ASSOCIATIONSAerodrome Ice Hockeyaerodromes.com

Alliance Bulldogsalliancebulldogs.org

Arctic Wolf Ice Centerarticwolfice.com

at&t Metroplex High School Hockey Leaguedrpepperstarcenter.com

Austin Roadrunnerswww.chaparralice.com

Bay Area Houston Houndshoundsicehockey.org

Corpus Christi Youth Hockeycoastalbendhockey.com

Dallas Ice Jetsicejets.com

Dallas Oilersdallasoilershockey.com

Dallas Stars AAAdallasstarsaaa.com

Dallas Stars Elite dsehc.com

Dallas Stars Selectsdallasstarsselects.com

Dallas Stars Youth Hockey drpepperstarcenter.com

DJHA Penguinsdjha.com

El Paso Hockeyelpasohockey.org

Grapevine Wolvesgrapevinestarcenter.com

Houston HERricanes Girlswww.houstonherricanes.com

Houston Hitmen Hockeyhoustonhitmen.com

Houston Hurricane Hockeyhoustonhurricanehockey.com

Ice Sports DirectoryHouston Wild Hockeyhoustonwildhockey.com

ICE at the Parks Hockey817-419-0095

Ice Skate USA Hockeyskatememorialcity.com

Interscholastic Hockey Leagueishl.org

Jackalopes Amateur [email protected]

Killer Bee Foundationkillerbeehockey.com

McKinney Ice Hockey Clubmckinneyicehockey.com

Oklahoma City Youth Hockey Association -www.okcyha.org

Polar Ice Housepolaricehousegrapevine.com

Rio Grande Valley Youthrgvyouthhockey.com

San Antonio Youth Hockeysanantonioyouthhockey.com

Scots Hockeydallasscots.com

Senior Stars Hockey Leaguedrpepperstarcenter.com

Sugar Land Ice & Sportssugarlandice.com

Texas Aces Hockey Clubtexasaceshockey.com

Texas Tornado Hockeytornadohockey.com

Tulsa Youth Hockeywww.tyha.com

Univ. of Texas Ice Hockeytexasicehockey.com

Wichita Falls Wildcatswfwildcatshockey.com

Want to be listed as an instructor? You must be a member of good

standing with USA Hockey. Contact [email protected]

You must have a valid USA Hockey membership number

Pro Shops are listed for free with purchase of a regular ad.

Contact us today to place an ad.

[email protected]

Readers, we need a little assist here. Don’t see your rink or

association listed, see something that isn’t correct?

Email us today [email protected]

with your information.

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Ref Simon gets ready for a face-off

Julia Wysocki (Grapevine Wolves Squirt)

Ethan Hardy (Grapevine Wolves Squirt Minor) controls the puck under pressure.

Nathan Butler, Justin Robidas, Jackson Nieuwendyk (Dallas Stars Selects Mites)

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Major Parsons (DSYHL Farmers Branch Mite Sharks)

Harrison Hood Texas AcesIan Erdman (Grapevine Wolves Squirt Major) Fights for the puck against Hannah Bilka (DJHA Squirt Gold)

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